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Nissan's new twin-turbo V6 powers 2016 Infiniti Q50

22-Dec-2015 04:05 EST

The twin-turbo VR30ETT is an all-new engine in Nissan's VR-series family. Two power outputs are available: 400 hp and 300 hp. (To see an additional photo, click on the small arrow at the upper right corner of this image.)

The twin-turbo VR30ETT is an all-new engine in Nissan's VR-series family. Two power outputs are available: 400 hp and 300 hp. (To see an additional photo, click on the small arrow at the upper right corner of this image.)

First application of the direct injected VR30ETT is in the highest-performance version of the 2016 Infiniti Q50. The new sports sedan also features next-generation Direct Adaptive Steering and new Dynamic Digital Suspension.

The first Nissan twin-turbo V6 to power an Infiniti model debuts in the 2016 Q50 sports sedan, the brand's top-selling model in North America.

Based on Nissan's VR-series V6 launched in 3.8-L form on the 2007 GT-R, the new direct-injected engine is designated VR30DETT. It will be available with two performance ratings: 400 hp (298 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 N·m), and 300 hp (224 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 N·m). Both engines make peak power at 6400 rpm, with peak torque available from 1600-5200 rpm.

The aluminum 60º cylinder block features "square" 86 x 86-mm (3.39-in) bore and stroke dimensions, with thermal-arc-sprayed bores, The technology, also known as “plasma coating,” is claimed to reduce ring-to-bore friction by 40% and saves 3.8 lb (1.7 kg) compared with the outgoing VQ-series V6.

The all-new aluminum cylinder heads were thoroughly redesigned for boosted DI duty. They incorporate integrated exhaust manifolds, with close-coupled catalytic converters and compact twin direct-mount IHI turbochargers with twin air-to-water intercoolers. The cast-in manifolds allow the cats to reach operating temperature twice as fast as those of the old VQ engines. They also result in an 11.7-lb (5.3 kg) mass reduction versus separate manifolds.

An optical turbine speed sensor allows the twin-turbo system to perform up to 220,000 rpm at steady condition and up to 240,000 rpm at transient condition, Vargason claimed. He explained that the optical sensor, along with an electronically-controlled-and-actuated wastegate, provide a higher degree of boost control and improved response in transient conditions. Also helping to increase engine response time is a new electronic intake cam phaser.

To reduce weight, the lower oil pan, cam covers, and intake manifold are molded using an organic-derived reinforced plastic resin. As installed in the Q50, the new VR30ETT weighs in at 486.3 lb (220.6 kg) fully dressed. The turbocharger/intercooler system (which Nissan calls the CAC) accounts for 56.9 lb (25.8 kg). Sans CAC, the 3.0-L V6 weighs 39.1 lb (14.1 kg) less than the 3.7-L VQ-series V6 it replaces.

The new Q50 also is available with a Mercedes-derived 208 hp turbocharged 2.0-L four, a result of Nissan's development collaboration with Daimler-Benz, or a 360-hp (268-kW) hybrid powertrain that combines a carryover (VQ series) 3.5-L V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery pack with the JATCO JR712E one-motor, two-clutch hybrid 7-speed transmission.

Designers are envisioning new looks for vehicle interiors, as in-vehicle connectivity and electrified powertrains usher in the autonomous driving age. As more EVs enter the marketplace with battery packs housed underneath the cabin floor, the door opens to a new era of interiors.

Statistics may point to human fallibility being the cause of almost all road accidents, but the switch to a connected robotic environment must ultimately deliver every nano-second of every day on the promise of a guaranteed near-total safety highway environment. Today’s grudging acceptance by the global public of the inevitability of deaths and injuries on the road will not continue in a driverless environment.